A Fortnight of Close Calls
Three separate incidents at Sydney airport over a two-week span have triggered a comprehensive safety investigation, with authorities examining whether the near-misses stem from isolated errors or deeper problems in air traffic management.
The most serious occurred on a Sunday in early August. A Virgin Australia Boeing 737 had begun its takeoff roll, engines already at full thrust, when the crew spotted a Qantas 737 crossing the runway ahead. The Virgin pilots immediately cut power and brought the aircraft to a stop roughly one kilometre from the other jet. According to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, the Virgin crew had received clearance to depart while the Qantas plane had been approved to taxi across the same runway via taxiway Lima.
Earlier that same day, a Jetstar flight preparing for departure had to brake sharply when a Qatar Airways aircraft moved onto the runway. The Jetstar pilot managed to halt in time, avoiding impact.
A third incident took place on 27 July, involving two Qantas-operated aircraft. Air traffic control cleared a Boeing 737 to cross the runway while a QantasLink Q400 turboprop was still rolling out after landing. The coordination breakdown forced a late intervention to prevent a collision.
Delayed Reporting and Threshold Questions
The incidents were not immediately referred to the transport safety bureau. Airservices Australia, the agency responsible for managing the country's airspace, reported the Sunday events only four days later. CEO Rob Sharp defended the delay, saying the incidents did not meet mandatory reporting thresholds at the time. He added that the organisation remains open to reviewing its data and improving procedures if necessary.
Transport safety bureau chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said he is seeking clarity on why the latest incident took days to reach investigators. He noted that runway incursions and loss of separation are serious safety concerns and that the bureau began its investigation immediately upon notification.
Staffing Pressures and Overtime
Australia's aviation sector has struggled with controller shortages since the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2020, around 140 experienced air traffic controllers accepted redundancy packages, according to Civil Air, the union representing controllers. The organisation has been warning Airservices Australia for several years that Sydney airport tower does not have enough staff.
Scott Nugent, president of Civil Air, told national media that the system at Sydney relies heavily on controllers working excessive overtime, with some logging more than 20 additional hours per week. He said the union has been flagging the staffing gap for four to five years.
Mitchell acknowledged that Airservices Australia is in a period of significant expansion, recruiting and training new controllers to address the shortfall. But he emphasised that three incidents that should not have happened did happen, and understanding why is the priority.
What Happens Next
The transport safety bureau is examining all contributing factors, including airport traffic volume, staffing levels in the control tower at the time of each incident, and any organisational or systemic issues. Mitchell said the investigation would be both comprehensive and timely, and assured travellers that the bureau would consider the full scope of potential causes.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also called for a thorough inquiry into the incidents.
Sydney is Australia's busiest airport, handling millions of passengers annually and serving as a major international gateway. The investigation's findings will likely carry implications beyond the airport itself, potentially shaping staffing policy and reporting protocols across the country's aviation network.
